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Joshua Tree Wilderness Backpacking permit

Joshua Tree Wilderness Gear Checklist

What to carry on Joshua Tree Wilderness, and why. 9 more are worth the pack space.

9Total Items
9To bring

What to bring on Joshua Tree Wilderness

Specific to this permit, not a generic camping list.

  • Bring

    At least a gallon of water per person per day, carried in

  • Bring

    A real winter sleeping bag. High desert nights run far colder than the days

  • Bring

    Headlamp with spare batteries

  • Bring

    Navigation you can use off trail

    because many zones have no maintained trails

  • Bring

    Park entrance pass, physical or digital, to access any backcountry trailhead

  • Bring

    Trekking poles for sandy wash walking

  • Bring

    A ground cloth that survives granite and cholla

  • Bring

    Downloaded NPS app maps

    since there is little cell service inside the park

  • Bring

    Long tweezers for cholla spines

12 people can go on one permit. Split this list between them so nobody carries two stoves.

Build a shared list

General backcountry gear

Kit we recommend for backcountry trips in general. This is not a checklist specific to Joshua Tree Wilderness — the Joshua Tree National Park rules for this permit are above.

🎒
Recommended
Wild Ideas

Bearikade Weekender

Ultralight carbon fiber bear canister. IGBC certified.

1 lb 15 ozultralightcarbon-fiber
$325
🎒
Recommended
Katadyn

BeFree 1L

Ultralight collapsible filter system.

2 ozultralightfast-flow
$44.95
🎒
Recommended
BearVault

BV500 Bear Vault

The most popular bear canister for Sierra backpacking. Fits 7 days of food.

2 lbs 9 oz7-day capacityapproved
$89.95
🎒
Recommended
Black Diamond

Distance Carbon Z

Lightweight folding carbon poles.

1 lb 1 ozcarbonfolding
$169.95
🎒
Recommended
Sawyer

Sawyer Squeeze

The most popular water filter for backpacking.

3 ozpopularreliable
$37.95

Gear Tips for Joshua Tree Wilderness

💡 Pro Tips

  • •Weigh your pack before you go. A lighter pack makes for a happier hike.
  • •Rent expensive gear if you are trying a new activity for the first time.
  • •Test all new gear at home before hitting the trail.
  • •Check current regulations as some items may be required seasonally.

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